Author Archives: Brian

Current figures show that 116 millions Americans are living with pain. 66% of Americans are overweight and 33% are OBESE.  In a recent study, the CDC estimates that by 2030, 42% of Americans will be obese- 11% of those obese will be considered SEVERELY obese, which is defined as ONE HUNDRED POUNDS overweight.

The health care costs associated with this rapidly increasing epidemic? An estimated $550 BILLION dollars. MIND BOGGLING.

The time is now. It is time for us to take back control of our lives. It starts with HEALTH and it continues through WELLNESS.

I ask you, no I implore you, take the steps now to decrease these devastating trends.  The cost of “sick care” in this country is increasing. People are not enjoying health. They are getting sicker. We can change this pattern-it's not too late.  It is simple, but it is not easy.

HealthSource of Norton is dedicated to helping our communities change this pattern. It's about our health.  It's about the health of our children and grandchildren.

My advice:  Pick up the phone and call me. I want to help. I want to help you and your families change your quality of life. I do not charge someone to speak to them. Once we talk and see what your goals are, we can then take a course of action suited for your individual goals.

My phone number is 330-825-3221. Ask for me, Dr. Miles, and I will be more than happy to help you start your journey to wellness.

You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.-Zig Ziglar

How many times have we heard that line from a loved one, friend, or even a medical professional?  It now seems to be common and the problem is many times THIS IS TRULY NOT THE CASE.

According to the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies, pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. That’s an estimated 116 million Americans and many of them are just living with it¹.  They resort to taking Tylenol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen like its candy helping them maybe “get through the day” but at the same time damaging their stomachs, livers, and kidneys².  They miss time at work-if they can work at all; they avoid social activities and hobbies that were enjoyable; they tend to keep to themselves.  Their only way of achieving restful sleep is to take sleeping pills or even stronger pain medications, such as opioids. 

Recently, the issue of pain relief has gained visibility with the release of a U.S. government report.  It stated that while the use of some illegal drugs has diminished, the abuse of prescription medications has sharply increased – particularly prescription opioid pain relievers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin.  Studies show that Americans use 80% of the world’s opioid supply and 99% of hydrocodone³.  The report points out that unintentional opioid overdoses (once almost exclusively the fate of heroin abusers) are today increasingly caused by prescription painkiller abuse⁴.

It’s time to change this mindset.  It’s time to LIVE AGAIN.  It’s time to take back our lives and get back to enjoying a QUALITY OF LIFE that chronic pain has stolen from our population.

Chiropractors and other alternative medicine practitionersuse conservative protocols and treatment plans to help people achieve THEIR goals.  While pain relief is important, it is not our only goal.  Our goal is to help you make a lifestyle change and get back to enjoying life again.  Whether it is a sport or hobby, such as golf, bowling, horseback riding, or playing with your kids or grandchildren—if it is important to you, it is important to us.

While chiropractors deal with tough cases, such as arthritis, disc injuries, and work or personal injuries, we also treat in a family atmosphere.  Common modalities are chiropractic manipulation, cold packs, heat packs, decompression, manual therapy, massage therapy, nutritional supplementation, and therapeutic stretching and strengthening exercises.  The spine is the foundation (literally the backbone) of our body and we ALL have one AND ONLY ONE.  It is imperative that it is cared for and well-maintained-even before we start to have symptoms.  OSHA estimates we suffer approximately 1500 spinal traumas BY THE AGE OF 10!  Remember, big problems start out small.

The time to take better care of your spine is NOW!  Live well.

Dr. Miles

¹The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide

²AmericanAcademy of Pain Medicine

³Pain Physician 2007; 10:399-424• ISSN 1533-3159

⁴American Medical News

Last week, my 4-year-old son, Brayden, was swinging on the arm rests of a chair and couch in our living room (because he was “Spider-Man”), when he slipped and landed on his right arm. Long story short, he is in a cast for the next three weeks after fracturing his radius. It reminded me, though-how kids play and what damage they can do to their joints, especially their spine, just by “being kids.”

OSHA estimates that kids will have 1500 spinal traumas by the age of 10 due to falls and accidents and as parents, we can recount just about every single one of them!

Kids “bounce back” quickly. The problem is, over time, those bounce back quickly injuries (falling off of bikes, playing on trampolines/swing sets, youth sports, rough-housing with friends/siblings/uncles/grandpa) add up.

1500 spinal tramas by age 10–this is a pivotal time in the development of our children.

When thinking of this, it raises the importance of spinal wellness evaluations for our children. Going back to my son Brayden-in addition to his follow up with his orthopedic physician, he will also be heading in for his 1st dental checkup very soon-and these are for teeth HE WON'T EVEN HAVE IN TEN YEARS!

Yet, he will have his spine for the duration of his life. He only gets one and it is imperative that his spine takes care of him and allows him the ability to do everything he wants in life for as long as he wants.

It's all about QUALITY OF LIFE and the time to get checked is now.

Have a safe and wonderful Easter weekend!

Dr. Miles

Dr. Brian Miles, chiropractor at HealthSource of Norton (Ohio) Chiropractic and Progressive Rehabiltiation, is participating in the MDA Lock Up to raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy.

Dr. Miles will be “locked up” on March 8th 2012 and will require donations to ”make bail”.  All proceeds will go to the MDA.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. With national headquarters in Tucson, MDA has more than 200 offices across the country, sponsors some 200 hospital-affiliated clinics and supports more than 330 research projects around the world.

MDA supports more research on neuromuscular diseases than any other private-sector organization in the world. MDA scientists are in the forefront of gene therapy research and have uncovered the genetic defects responsible for several forms of muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), childhood spinal muscular atrophy and several other neuromuscular conditions.

The Association's comprehensive services program includes diagnostic and follow-up medical consultations, flu shots, support groups, MDA summer camps for youngsters, a medical equipment program, assistance with equipment repairs and resource referral.

Through its national advocacy program, MDA works to make life better for people with muscular dystrophy and related muscle diseases by providing representation in matters of public policy and research advancement, nationally and internationally; and facilitating active involvement in these areas by the people it serves.

MDA was created in 1950 by a group of adults with muscular dystrophy, parents of children with muscular dystrophy and a physician-scientist studying the disorder.

Dr. Miles' office is located at 1309 Norton Avenue, Suite 120, Norton, Ohio 44203.

To donate, please go to Dr. Miles' personal profile donation page at:  http://www2.mda.org/site/TR/Lock-Up/44-D3-535-AkronDistrict?px=1061939&pg=personal&fr_id=2031

If you have any questions regarding donations, or how else you can help this worthy cause, please feel free to call Dr. Miles personally at 330-825-3221.

Dr. Brian Miles, chiropractor at HealthSource of Norton is introducing a great product to help people in the community lose weight safely and effectively.  It's through a product called OctaLean.  It helps fat literally “melt away”–and you can take it EVEN WHILE YOU SLEEP!  OctaLean is a perfect supplement to jump start your New Year's Resolution to lose weight! HealthSource of Norton is located at 1309 Norton Avenue, Suite 120 in Norton, Ohio.  Call 330-825-3221 or stop in today to learn more about this great product and what it can do for you!

HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab Breaks into Top Tier of “Franchise 500” List and Sets New Industry Standard for Overall Care

The nation’s fastest and largest chiropractic family in the world retains its #1 ranking among the top Health Service providers in the nation

 Norton— HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab® made company history this month when it broke into the top 100 of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500” list.

 The company also continued its reign at the top spot in the Health Services list, having been ranked #1 in that category four years running.

 “Being number one in the Health Services category has never been done before and we’re extremely proud of that,” said HealthSource CEO Dr. Chris Tomshack.

 HealthSource was ranked #99 on the esteemed list, a remarkable jump from #111 in 2011 and #258 in 2010.

 The 2012 rankings, which were released on the magazine’s website this week, also put HealthSource at #48 in the magazine's list of Fastest-Growing franchises, up from #52 in 2011 and #66 in 2010, and its rank to #82 on the list of America's Top Global franchises, up from #94 last year.

 ”This incredible recognition reflects our long-standing goal of providing the very best care possible for our patients,” Dr. Tomshack said. “We saw more than 100,000 patients last month alone—we’re changing lives, and that’s what it’s all about.”

 As part of the award, HealthSource franchises throughout the nation will be providing new patients a complimentary, 17-point, pain-seeking evaluation to encourage overall health and wellness. The offer includes X-Rays if necessary, and is good through January 31, 2012. This offer does not apply to Federal Insurance beneficiaries or ACN participants.  To find a HealthSource near you, go online to: www.HealthSourceChiro.com

 About HealthSource Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab

Founded in 2006, HealthSource Chiropractic™, Inc. has rapidly become the leader in the chiropractic profession with over 325 offices nationwide. By supplying its doctors with a comprehensive set of tools, HealthSource positions its clinics to provide a singularly unique health care experience to patients, while focusing on community outreach and educational programs.

 HealthSource of Norton and Dr. Brian J. Miles, D.C. can be reached by calling 330-825-3221. For more information on HealthSource, go to www.HealthSourceChiro.com

“What do you mean “STRESS” during the holidays?!?!”

Most of us can attest that even though the holidays are a joyous time to celebrate and appreciate our blessings–it is also a STRESSFUL TIME.  Planning “family trips” and coordinating where and when to be at family gatherings (Can we be in more than one place at a time?!?!), planning at home, i.e. cooking, seating arrangements, and shopping for loved ones. I am fortunate; my wife handles most of these tasks and appears to do it with great precision and ease–however I know she still gets stressed at times with all of the preparation and “regular” daily activities on top of the holiday stuff.

Stress can affect our body immensely.  Stress is a BULLY. It attacks the WEAKEST parts of our bodies.  So, if you are prone to digestive issues, like IBS, or suffer from migraine or tension headaches, or if you experience stiffness/tightness in your neck and shoulder and/or lower back, I bet you notice these issues pop up more frequently when your body is stressed, and I would guarantee they pop up around the holidays.

Mental, emotional, physical, and chemical stress can all affect the functionality of our bodies internally and externally.  When that happens, the body's natural ability to function effectively to prevent the penetration of harmful external pathogens and internal dysfunction/disarray is significantly reduced (meaning more pain, colds, etc.).

Reduce that stress! HOW!? Get yourself evaluated and adjusted to help increase your body's innate ability to heal itself, eat right (BETTER), and supplement as needed, and get sufficient rest.  Have a safe and blessed holiday season!

Dr. Brian J. Miles

HealthSource of Norton

I wanted to take this opportunity to THINK and THANK. Have you done that today? Have you given yourself a moment to reflect on all of your blessings and appreciate what you have? Have you taken a small moment of your day to write a thank you card or call someone who has been involved in your life and tell them THANK YOU?

Thanksgiving is a reminder for us to do just that. BE THANKFUL>  However, once the day is over–most of us NEGLECT what we are thankful for and just complain about what is missing or what is “wrong” in our lives.

Today I am thankful.  I am thankful for my my wife and my kids and all of the love we give to and receive from our families.  I am thankful for my staff who work diligently with me to help improve the lives of our patients.  I am also thankful for our patients and the effort they put in to helping themselves live healthier and happier lives.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy your Thanksgiving! Be safe and be THANKFUL!

Dr. Miles

This weeked was a reminder for me regarding the aforementioned topic.  As the temperature drops and the leaves fall, our tasks change as well.  This includes cleaning out the garage/attic for winter and storing summer furniture, etc., and raking and/or bagging leaves to name a few. 

As I was walking on the sidewalk admiring those leaves changing and falling, I misstepped and “turned” my right ankle.  What I had done was called an inversion sprain of my ankle.  I have done it numerous times, dating back to my basketball playing days.  I limped back home and stayed off it as much as I could.  It was very stiff, sore, and somewhat painful and tender to touch over the next 2 days.  Following my normal Monday in the office, I went home and noticed that my right ankle was swollen to about the size of an orange.  Luckily, I use HealthSource RockTape and I applied the tape over the swollen ankle.  RockTape allows for increased circulation by pulling the superficial skin, soft tissue, etc, away from the blood vessels in order to improve circulation.  This would help draw out the swelling.  When I woke up this morning after having the RockTape on for a little over a day, ALL of the swelling was gone! Now, my ankle is by no means HEALED, but it has improved to allow me to resume my rehabilitation therapy to help stregthen it back up–something that I would have probably delayed until the swelling had subsided, but was fortunate to utilize RockTape to speed the process up and LITERALLY get me back on my feet!

We are very fortunate at HealthSource of Norton to be RocDoc Specialists and can provide this service to many of our patients and community to help them recover FASTER!

Yours in Optimal Wellness,

Dr. Miles

Here in northeast Ohio and especially here in Norton, last week we saw high temperatures in the 90's (and close to 100!) and over the holiday weekend we watched the temps dip into the 60's–almost a 40 degree change almost overnight!

Most of us turned off the air conditioning and opened up the windows in our homes. We experienced what the majority of us call “good sleeping weather.”  However, the lower temps at night and cool air can also wreak some havoc on our bodies.  Did you wake up with joint stiffness? How about neck stiffness or achiness and pain?

The drastic change in weather and temperature can affect our bodies, but usually there is something much deeper contributing to these changes. Old injuries, degenerative conditions, such as arthritis, muscular imbalance, just to name a few, can be lying dormant (not symptomatic) and these weather changes can help these underlying conditions be brought to the surface.

As summer winds down and our outdoor activities decrease with the temperature, you may be experiencing these similar complaints as well.

Have your spine checked–today! As in life, forest fires always start out small. If a condition is caught earlier on it is much easier to treat!

Call us at 330-825-3221 to schedule your evaluation. Don't let these aches and pains slow you down!

 Dr. Brian J. Miles

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